A Classic Tropical Dessert Reimagined as Perfectly Portioned Cupcakes
Introduction: A Beloved Classic in Cupcake Form
Few desserts capture nostalgia and sunshine quite like pineapple upside-down cake. With its caramelized pineapple, buttery brown sugar topping, and moist vanilla cake, it has been a timeless favorite for generations. Now imagine all that flavor transformed into individual cupcakes—easy to serve, beautifully presented, and irresistibly delicious.
These Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes are the perfect blend of retro charm and modern convenience. Each cupcake features a glossy caramelized pineapple ring (or chunk), a hint of maraschino cherry, and a tender, fluffy crumb that soaks up the tropical juices. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday table, or just to treat yourself, this recipe delivers bakery-style results with home-kitchen simplicity.
This article walks you through everything: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, baking science tips, storage advice, variations, and SEO-friendly serving ideas—so you can confidently master this dessert.
Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes
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Perfect portions – no slicing required
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Visually stunning – caramelized pineapple on top
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Moist and tender thanks to pineapple juice and butter
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Crowd-pleasing flavor with sweet-tangy balance
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Great make-ahead dessert for parties and events
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Pineapple Topping
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
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Pineapple slices or chunks (fresh or canned, drained well)
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Maraschino cherries, halved or whole (optional but classic)
For the Cupcake Batter
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
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¼ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
Equipment You’ll Need
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Standard 12-cup muffin pan
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Paper liners or well-greased pan
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Mixing bowls (large and medium)
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Whisk and electric mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cooling rack
